A must do pilgrimage for every BMW motorcycle enthusiast is to the gathering at Garmish Patenkirchen, a ski village on the border between Germany and Austria, a weekend of motorcycling overload that attracts about 4500 riders on the first weekend in July annually.

Thomas Böhm the operations instructor from Sabie Valley Rider Academy situated between Sabie and Hazyview was invited to promote the training facility at the event in a massive tent that was filled with BMW Motorrad Partners from all over the world.

Thomas relates to the never-ending activities on offer from test-rides, new product displays,

Enduro rides, the wall of death displays and displays by stunt rider Mattie Griffin and Sarah Leito. Also, don’t forget the beer and German food available from multiple beer tents and gardens.

The event is filled with BMW motorcycles from all eras with a big emphasis on older bikes and the custom scene, with multiple companies specializing in custom and retro bikes displaying their latest creations, doing a good trade in custom parts.

BMW Motorrad has a huge display tent of all the latest models, rider gear and accessories available with a knowledgeable crew on hand to share their enthusiasm and information on the life style products, with the slogan “Make Life a Ride”.

The days are hot with most attendees participating in rides heading south to the Alps in the day then enjoying the

the long evenings browsing and watching shows till the sun set at about 10 mp when the real party starts

with big name bands rocking the crowds in multiple venues at the show until the early morning hours.

Most South Africans will combine this must do pilgrimage with a riding holiday in the Alps incorporating famous mountain passes like Stelvio Pass, Gross Glockner and the amazing riding in the Garda Lake area in northern Italy.

If you want to be part of this amazing experience in 2018 please send Thomas Böhm an email to thomas@rideracademy.co.za to receive a special offer on a package deal put together by

Thomas Böhm is well known in the bike riding circles of Mpumalanga. He is the owner and instructor at Sabie ValleyRider Academy. The academy is based at the Windmill Wine Shopand Cottages on the notorious and fabled road known as the “22” (R536 ) winding between the towns of Sabie and Hazyview.

The Academy offers on- and off-road riding courses to Adventure Bike riders from novice to advanced riders wanting to improve their skills at bike handling in off-road or dirt roadriding conditions. Thomas also conducts a Defensive road riding course. This course is aimed at the riders wanting to improve their safety and skills for riding on public roads.

Thomas’s passion for biking was born at the young age of nine and he participated in off-road races as a teenager. He shared his love of riding with his wife Jacqui and together they originally rented bikes to tourists visiting the Lowveld.

In 2005 he planned and hosted the first ever Sabie GS challenge This became an annual event and only registered owners of BMWAdventure Motorcycles are allowed to enter and participate. The event is held in March every year and is the longest-running BMWGS biking event in Sout Africa. Participants in the event usually have to arrive fully prepared to camp overnight, but chalets and cottages are also available for accommodation. The Sabie GS challenge provides the opportunity to ride in safe, sometimes challenging off-road conditions. The routes are pre-determined and are classed from Green – the easiest – to Black for those that has the advanced riding skills and determination to be challenged.

Thomas started The Sabie Valley Rider Academy in 2010 after a series of negotiations with BMW Motorrad. He completed the advanced instructor training course in 2012 in Germany. He is planning to construct a bigger and better training facility on his property. He is hopeful to have it completed in June this year. Thomas is actively involved in the local BMW Riders Club and assisted in the organising of this years Mpumalanga GS Trophy 2017 held in Badplaas in May.

In addition to the Sabie GS Challenge and offering beginners to advanced (level 1 to 3) training, the academy also offer bike rental, and personal, 1-on-1 training for those not comfortable in groups. The Expert Adventure Riding Sand Experience is aimed to provide training for riding in sandy conditions. Sandy roads can be challenging to most riders and are generally referred to as the sand monster. Thomas’s course conducted over a weekend at Kosi Bay in Kwa-Zulu Natal gives the participants comprehensive training and the opportunity to hone their newly learned skills under the supervision of a capable and qualified instructor. Just to be sure, Thomas assures us that all lady riders are welcome on any of the courses he presents at the Academy.

Thomas and Jacqui Böhm are passionate about Adventure Biking and biking in general. They are as passionate about the Lowveld and riders are welcome to contact him if they are looking for riding partners and or advice on routes to ride in the Lowveld.